Aish Educational Director promoted to Chief Executive after Shabbat UK success

The educational director at Aish UK has been promoted to the role of chief executive on the back of the Chief Rabbi’s successful Shabbat UK initiative, after Rabbi Naftali Schiff stepped down following 16 years in the job.

Rabbi Daniel Rowe, who begins his new position with immediate effect,is also credited with developing the Forum for Jewish Leadership and creating the Aleinu Conference, which gathered religious leaders at The Grove this month.

Schiff, who returned to the UK to lead the organisation in 1999, now becomes non-executive chairman, and paid tribute to his successor as a “sensational” educator and facilitator.

“Apart from his brilliant intellect and piercing insight, Aish is now blessed with the mensch I have been privileged to meet and work alongside for so many years,” said Schiff, in glowing praise.

Rowe returned the compliment, saying: “We cannot underestimate the immense contribution of Rabbi Schiff in changing the face of the UK Jewish community. I know that he will continue to guide our organisation.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said Rowe was “one of our community’s greatest assets with a unique ability to enthuse and inspire those around him”.